Guest Information
Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty
The East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) landscape is characterised by intimate wooded combes, vast areas of heathland, fertile river valleys and breathtaking cliffs and hilltops. It includes the East Devon section of the Jurassic Coast - Englands first natural World Heritage Site - and is a living, working landscape shaped by many centuries of farming activities.
The 46 areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty across the UK are part of the same family of protected landscapes which includes National Parks.
Address: East Devon AONB Partnership, Kennaway House, Coburg Road, Sidmouth, EX13 8NG
Tel: 01484 46663
web site: http://eastdevonaonb.org.uk
Allergies
Please let us know in advance if you have any food allergies. Please also note that in case of allergies to animals, on the smallholding we have a Border Collie Dog, some Ducks, Chickens, Geese, Pigs and Lambs (subject to seasonal change) and our lake is frequented by Wild Ducks, Swans and other wildlife. Please contact us if you need further details.
Arrival / Departure Times
Check in is between 16:00 and 18:00.
We ask guests to vacate their rooms by 10:00 on day of departure.
Breakfast
Our breakfasts are served between the hours of 8:00 and 9.00am and are cooked to order. However please let us know if you require an earlier start.
Children
As many guests come for some peace and quiet we only take guests over the age of 12 in the farmhouse B&B. Children of all ages are welcome in the cottage and on our caravan site.
Deposit and Cancellation – B&B
Pre-authorisation of credit / debit cards is required at time of booking with full payment required at time of departure. A 50% cancellation charge will be applied if cancelled less than 30 days prior to arrival. In the event of cancellation on the day or no show full payment will be taken.
Deposit and Cancellation - Holiday Cottage
50% deposit is required to secure booking which is refundable if cancelled more than six weeks prior to arrival. Balance is due six weeks prior to arrival. If cancelled less than six weeks prior to arrival refund may be given at the discretion of the management.
Dogs
We are very happy to accept well behaved house trained dogs in our cottage and on the caravan site.
Please do not leave your dog(s) alone and unaccompanied in the cottage. Dogs must be housed in a dog crate which guests must provide.
Please do not allow your dog(s) on any of the cottage furniture as our charges do not cover for additional cleaning / repair costs. Dogs are accepted with prior notice and charge at £5 per dog per night.
Farm Animals
Please note that we have a Border Collie Dog, some Ducks, Chickens, Geese, Pigs and Lambs (subject to seasonal change) and our lake is frequented by Wild Ducks, Swans and other wildlife. Please observe the country code as you walk around the grounds, close all gates behind you and keep pet dogs on a lead. There are also lots of dangerous hazards on a working farm so please be vigilant at all times. Children must be accompanied by adults at all times.
Fishing
There are many locations and opportunities for Sea, Coarse and Trout fishing in close proximity to Spillers Farm and we have ample storage space for guests’ equipment. Venues and contact details can be provided on request.
Fossil Hunting
Fossil Hunting along the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site is a great attraction for many of our guests. Visit http://jurassiccoast.org for information, news and events in the local area.
Getting to Spillers Farm – By Road
If travelling by car, Spillers Farm can be found on the A358, the main road from Axminster towards Seaton and the Jurassic Coast. Our postcode is EX13 8AJ but please be aware that we are in a rural area and this postcode is shared by several houses hundreds of yards apart. Spillers Farm is the second farmhouse on the right hand side, displaying a B&B sign, less than 1 minute drive as you leave the village of Musbury heading south towards Seaton. Our B&B & Cottage guests should use the entrance on the right, immediately before the B&B sign. This will lead to a large concrete forecourt where there is ample parking space. Our caravan site guests should use the double gate entrance on the right, immediately after the B&B sign and then follow the gravel path to the caravan site.
Getting to Spillers Farm – By Rail
If travelling by train our nearest station is Axminster which is a 5 minute taxi ride to Spillers Farm.
Golf
There are many golf courses in close proximity to Spillers Farm and we have ample storage space for guests’ equipment. Contact details of local clubs are shown below:
Axe Cliff Golf Club; www.axecliffgolfclub.com 01297 21754
Lyme Regis Golf Club; www.lymeregisgolfclub.co.uk; 01297 442963
Oak Mead Golf Course; www.oakdown.co.uk; 01297 680387
Honiton Golf Club; www.honitongolfclub.co.uk; 01404 44422
Thorn Golf Centre; 01395 579564
Sidmouth Golf Club; www.sidmouthgolfclub.co.uk; 01395 513451
East Devon Golf Club; www.edgc.co.uk; 01395 443370
Bridport & West Dorset Golf Club; www.bridportgolfclub.org.uk; 01308 421095
Non-Smoking
We have a non-smoking policy in the Farmhouse, Holiday Cottage and Grounds
Payment
We accept most major debit and credit cards and can take payment over the phone.
Places to Visit
We are gradually working our way around the local area to include below our own experiences as we visit the local landmarks and attractions. Keep an eye open for regular updates.
Axminster – world famous carpet town
Surrounded by open fields and meandering rivers, this is the gateway to the Axe Valley. The world’s very first Axminster carpet was woven here by Thomas Whitty in 1755. A good little market town with a small street market in the church square on Thursdays.
Axmouth – bird watchers’ paradise
Thatched cottages and farmhouses, pubs, popular harbour and a sailing club. The harbour marks the start of the world famous Undercliff Walk to Lyme Regis. This can be reached by climbing the steep hill near the bridge across the estuary. If you’re lucky you can see avocets, kingfishers, egrets, herons, curlews, waders, ducks and geese on the estuary. Even spoonbills have been seen here.
Beer – home of many a smuggling tale
Beer is a fishing village nestling in a small valley which opens into a sheltered bay fringed with white chalk cliffs. There are shops, antique shops, art galleries, restaurants and three pubs. There is still a small but very active fishing fleet, whose boats are launched directly from the shingle beach, as they have been for centuries. The fishermen land their catches on the beach, and fresh fish and shellfish are sold in a small shop literally yards from the waters’ edge.
Beer Quarry Caves
Vast man-made complex of underground caverns, created by centuries of quarrying the famous Beer stone. Conducted one hour tours by trained guides.
Branscombe – a step back in time
The beautiful village of Branscombe dates back to pre-Saxon times and is reputed to be the longest village in the West Country. It is full of ‘chocolate box’ cottages, with hanging baskets and colourful gardens. There is also a 12th century church nestling in peaceful surroundings with a glorious wooded hill as a backdrop. There are public footpaths in all directions and stunning clifftop walks.
Colyton – the most rebellious town in Devon
Once the fourth most wealthy town in Devon, Colyton is a fascinating medieval settlement with a Saxon street pattern often referred to as a maze. There are riverside walks and lots of interesting shops, character inns and restaurants. There is also an historic and beautiful 12th century church.
Donkey Sanctuary
Home to more than 400 rescued donkeys, with beautiful walks and picnic areas. Free admission and open 365 days a year from 9am until dusk.
Forde Abbey & Gardens
Forde Abbey is a treasure in an area already known for its outstanding beauty. More than 900 years of history and romance are encapsulated in this elegant former Cistercian monastery and its 30 acres of award winning gardens.
Lyme Bay Winery
Located in Shute, a few minutes from Spillers Farm, is the Lyme Bay Winery, a small, dedicated West Country company passionate about producing delicious, award-winning English Wines, Country Wines, ciders, meads and liqueurs from their home in Devon’s beautiful Axe Valley.
Lyme Regis – writer’s inspiration
Just a 10 minute drive away, Lyme is an historic unspoiled seaside resort and fishing port on the world-famous Cobb harbour. Surrounded by beautiful coastlines and countryside, the area has now been awarded World Heritage Site status. Lyme is famous for its geology and fossil finds.
Lyme Regis is home of celebrity chef Mark Hix Oyster and Fish House.
Musbury Castle Circular Walk
This 4.4 mile circular walk starts in the pretty village of Musbury and follows the East Devon Way up to MusburyCastle, an Iron age hill fort with great views over the Axe Valley and on to the sea. Walk continues on to Combpyne, with a possible extension to see Combpyne Church.
Pecorama
Situated on the hillside above the picturesque fishing village of Beer, Pecorama has something to offer every member of the family. The attractions include a fascinating indoor exhibition of railway modelling in various popular scales, whilst the charming gardens are home to the famous Beer Heights Light Railway powered by miniature steam and diesel locomotives.
Seaton
The popular coastal resort of Seaton lies just to the west of the Axe estuary, one of the most beautiful and unspoilt parts of East Devon. The mile-long beach is mostly shingle, and is excellent for a wide variety of watersports from swimming to sailing, diving and windsurfing. The ancient harbour of Axmouth is a 10 minute walk to the east, while the pretty village of Axmouth itself lies about a kilometre inland.
The unique Seaton Labyrinth at Cliff Field overlooking the bay and Beer cliffs is also well worth a visit. Completed in 2005, the Labyrinth is constructed from rock representing the three different geological periods found along the Jurassic Coast.
Seaton is also the only town on the Jurassic Coast where rocks from all three geological periods can be viewed in their natural environment.
Seaton Tramway
One of the most popular attractions in Seaton is the tramway, which runs inland along the Axe estuary to the medieval market town of Colyton. The tram journey is a wonderful excursion for birdwatchers, transport enthusiasts or those who simply want to watch the beautiful riverside scenery gliding by. Alongside the tramway is the Seaton Wetlands Nature Reserve. The installation of a viewing hide and wheelchair-friendly paths means this beautiful area and its wildlife – wildfowl and wading birds in winter; dragonflies and butterflies in summer – are now easily accessible all year round.
Sidmouth
The picturesque seaside town of Sidmouth nestles beneath majestic Triassic red cliffs and the green hills of the glorious Sid valley. As with many settlements along this part of the coast it originally developed as a fishing village. Seaton is a tourist resort and a gateway to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. A large part of the town has been designated a conservation area.
Seasonal Countryside Events
Seasonal countryside events publicised by East Devon Council which are in within easy reach of Spillers Farm can be found on the following website:
Taxi
Numbers of local taxi companies will be sent with booking confirmation
Visitors and Parties
Guests are not permitted to invite visitors into the B&B.
Guests are not permitted to invite visitors into the Holiday Cottage.
Caravaners must obtain owners advanced approval if they would like to invite visitors onto the caravan site and ensure that the appropriate fee is paid.
Parties are not permitted.
Walking
In Sidmouth, you’re on the doorstep of Britain’s longest and most popular National Trail – the South West coast Path. Along the path, whether you take a short stroll or stride out on the cliff tops, you can find your own piece of this special coastline. Picturesque harbours, stunning Beer Head, tranquil estuaries and secret coves you’ll discover for yourself lie on the route of the South West Coast Path. East Devon Way, another beautiful walking trail, is very close.
Wining & Dining
Guests are welcome to bring their own wine and champagne to chill in their fridge and spend the evening watching the sunset around our wildlife lake.
Alternatively there are a wide variety of restaurants to choose from including the renowned River Cottage HQ (bookable in advance).
Where to Eat
We are undertaking the arduous task of visiting our local eating establishments in order that we can recommend them to our guests. Our own personal reviews of those establishments we have visited are shown below. Check out our blog for updates as we find the time to take in more culinary experiences.
The Tytherleigh Arms, Chard, EX13 8BE Tel. No. 01460 221639
The Tytherleigh Arms is just north of Axminster along the A358, about 15 minutes drive from Spillers Farm. This is a delightful old establishment and is full of rustic appeal, character and cosiness with friendly staff and delicious food and is definitely worth a visit if venturing north of Axminster.
Seaton Fish Bar, 4 Queen Street, Seaton
Haven’t found a better Fish & Chip shop yet.
Ship Inn, Axmouth
The Ship Inn, Axmouth, is a 3-minute drive from Spillers.
When we arrived just after 7pm the place was heaving and obviously the place to be, get here early if you want a parking space. Great atmosphere and delicious food, can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday evening. Enormous portions, friendly staff, very reasonably priced. A must when visiting Spillers.
The Shed Steakhouse & Grill, 4 Harbour Road, Seaton EX12 2LS
www.theshedsteakhouse.co.uk 01297 625926 Open 5.30 pm - 11.30 pm
Fantastic quality steaks and super burgers, may challenge the most ravenous amongst you. Really worth a visit but recommend you book in advance as it is very popular.
The Hare & Hound, Putts Corner, Sidmouth EX10 0QQ
www.hareandhounds-devon.co.uk 01404 41760 Open 10 am - 11.00 pm
Excellent carvery, delicious steak and kidney pudding and substantial portions. Really good value for money. Very popular and well worth a visit. Just over 10 minutes drive from Spillers Farm.
